Mixed reactions as NUC gets 303 applications for private varsities

The revelation yesterday by the National Universities Commission (NUC) that it was processing 303 fresh applications from individuals, corporate bodies and faith-based organisations for the establishment of more institutions in the country has elicited mixed reactions.

Its Executive secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who dropped the hint at the opening of a two-day national summit on private universities in Abuja, added that the requests were in various stages of verification.

Specifically, he said 208 of them were in the first verification process, 63 in the sixth stage, 30 in stage eight while two are in stage 10.

The NUC boss submitted that his organisation was working with the National assembly to review some of its guidelines for the take-off of more ivory towers to address the nation’s admission gap.

Reacting to the development, former Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, said Nigeria needed more private institutions to complement its population growth.

But, a distinguished professor at the University of Lagos, Ayodeji Olukoju, held a different opinion. He said the regulator should rather than issuing more licences, endeavour to provide a blueprint on the number and type of private universities needed in the country as a way forward.

Where they should be situated he added, was also an issue to be considered.